Pyridine matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Selective MMP-13 inhibitors are pyridine derivatives of the formula  
                 
 
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,  
     wherein:  
     R 1  and R 2  independently are hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, C 1 -C 6  alkyl, C 1 -C 6  alkoxy, C 2 -C 6  alkenyl, C 2 -C 6  alkynyl, N0 2 , NR 4 R 5 , CN, or CF 3 ;  
     E is independently O or S;  
     A and B independently are OR 4  or NR 4 R 5 ;  
     R 4  and R 5  independently are H, C 1 -C 6  alkyl, C 2 -C 6  alkenyl, C 2 -C 6  alkynyl, (CH 2 ) n  aryl, (CH 2 ) n  cycloalkyl, (CH 2 ) n  heteroaryl, or R 4  and R 5  when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached complete a 3- to 8-membered ring containing carbon atoms and optionally containing a heteroatom selected from O, S, or NH, and optionally substituted or unsubstituted;  
     n is an integer of from 0 to 6.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/268,781, filed Feb. 14, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to pyridine derivatives that inhibit matrix metalloproteinase enzymes and thus are useful for treating diseases resulting from tissue breakdown such as heart disease, multiple sclerosis, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Matrix metalloproteinases (sometimes referred to as MMPs) are naturally occurring enzymes found in most mammals. Over-expression and activation of MMPs or an imbalance between MMPs and inhibitors of MMPs have been suggested as factors in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized by the breakdown of extracellular matrix or connective tissues.

[0004] Stromelysin-1 and gelatinase A are members of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) family. Other members include fibroblast collagenase (MMP-1), neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8), gelatinase B (92 kDa gelatinase) (MMP-9), stromelysin-2 (MMP-10), stromelysin-3 (MMP-11), matrilysin (MMP-7), collagenase 3 (MMP-13), TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE), and other newly discovered membrane-associated matrix metalloproteinases (Sato H., Takino T., Okada Y., Cao J., Shinagawa A., Yamamoto E., and Seiki M., Nature, 1994;370:61-65). These enzymes have been implicated with a number of diseases which result from breakdown of connective tissue, including such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, periodontitis, multiple sclerosis, gingivitis, corneal epidermal and gastric ulceration, atherosclerosis, neointimal proliferation which leads to restenosis and ischemic heart failure, and tumor metastasis. A method for preventing and treating these and other diseases is now recognized to be by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase enzymes, thereby curtailing and/or eliminating the breakdown of connective tissues that results in the disease states.

[0005] There is a catalytic zinc domain in matrix metalloproteinases that is typically the focal point for inhibitor design. The modification of substrates by introducing zinc-chelating groups has generated potent inhibitors such as peptide hydroxamates and thiol-containing peptides. Peptide hydroxamates and the natural endogenous inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have been used successfully to treat animal models of cancer and inflammation. MMP inhibitors have also been used to prevent and treat congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,780.

[0006] A major limitation on the use of currently known MMP inhibitors is their lack of specificity for any particular enzyme. Recent data has established that specific MMP enzymes are associated with some diseases, but have no apparent effect on other diseases. The MMPs are generally categorized based on their substrate specificity; indeed, the collagenase subfamily of MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13 selectively cleave native interstitial collagens, and thus are associated only with diseases linked to such interstitial collagen tissue. This is evidenced by the recent discovery that MMP-13 alone is over expressed in breast carcinoma, while MMP-1 alone is over expressed in papillary carcinoma (see Chen et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2000;122:9648-9654).

[0007] There appears to be few selective inhibitors of MMP-13 reported. A compound named WAY-170523 has been reported by Chen et al., supra., 2000, and a few other compounds are reported in PCT International Application Publication Number WO 01/63244 A1, as allegedly selective inhibitors of MMP-13. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,243 discloses inhibitors of MMP-13. However, no selective or nonselective inhibitor of MMP-13 has been approved and marketed for the treatment of any disease in any mammal. Accordingly, the need continues to find new low molecular weight compounds that are potent and selective MMP inhibitors, and that have an acceptable therapeutic index of toxicity/potency to make them amenable for use clinically in the prevention and treatment of the associated disease states. An object of this invention is to provide a group of selective MMP-13 inhibitor compounds characterized as being isophthalic acid derivatives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This invention provides a method for inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase enzymes, and especially MMP-13, using a pyridine compound. The invention is more particularly directed to a method for inhibiting MMP enzymes in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal an MMP inhibiting amount of a compound defined by Formula I

[0009] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,

[0010] wherein:

[0011] R¹ and R² independently are hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, NO₂, NR⁴R⁵, CN, or CF₃;

[0012] E is independently O or S;

[0013] A and B independently are OR⁴ or NR⁴R⁵;

[0014] R⁴ and R⁵ independently are H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, (CH₂)_(n) aryl, (CH₂)_(n) cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n) heteroaryl, or R⁴ and R⁵ when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached complete a 3- to 8-membered ring, containing carbon atoms and optionally containing a heteroatom selected from O, S, or NH, and optionally substituted or unsubstituted;

[0015] n is an integer from 0 to 6.

[0016] Another invention embodiment is a method of inhibiting MMP enzymes in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an MMP inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula II

[0017] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹ and R² are as defined above, and each R⁴ independently is as defined above.

[0018] Another invention embodiment is a method of inhibiting MMP enzymes in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an MMP inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula III

[0019] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹ and R² are as defined above, and each R⁴ and R⁵ independently are as defined above.

[0020] Another invention embodiment is a method of inhibiting MMP enzymes in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an MMP inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula IV

[0021] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n, R¹, and R² are as defined above, and R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ independently are hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, nitro, or NH₂.

[0022] Another invention embodiment is a method of inhibiting MMP enzymes in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an MMP inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula V

[0023] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n, R¹, and R² are as defined above, and each Ar independently is aryl or Het, wherein aryl is phenyl or substituted phenyl, and Het is an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group.

[0024] Compounds of Formulas I, II, III, IV, and V are provided as a further embodiment of this invention.

[0025] Another invention embodiment are compounds that are amides of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one or both of A and B is NR⁴R⁵.

[0026] Another invention embodiment is a compound selected from:

[0027] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-chloro-benzylamide), [(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0028] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), [(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0029] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), (4-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0030] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), (3-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0031] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carbomethoxy-benzylamide), (3-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0032] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), (3-pyridylmethylamide);

[0033] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), (3-thiophenemethylamide);

[0034] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-5-ylmethyl) amide, [(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0035] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (2,1,3-benzooxadiazol-5-ylmethyl) amide, [(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0036] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-5-ylmethyl) amide, (4-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0037] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-5-ylmethyl) amide, (3-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0038] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl) ester;

[0039] 2-Methoxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0040] 2-Ethoxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0041] 2-Amino-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide]; and

[0042] 2-Oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide,

[0043] 2-Methoxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide,

[0044] (3,5-Bis-benzylcarbamoyl-pyridin-2-yloxy)-acetic acid tert-butyl ester,

[0045] (3,5-Bis-benzylcarbamoyl-pyridin-2-yloxy)-acetic acid,

[0046] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-methoxy-benzylamide),

[0047] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0048] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-dimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0049] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-chloro-benzylamide),

[0050] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide,

[0051] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0052] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-p-tolyl-ethyl)-amide],

[0053] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-methoxy-benzylamide),

[0054] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-fluoro-benzylamide),

[0055] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(benzyl-ethyl-amide),

[0056] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0057] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-phenoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0058] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(4-phenyl-butyl)-amide],

[0059] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0060] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0061] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0062] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0063] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-o-tolyl-ethyl)-amide],

[0064] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-ethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0065] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-phenyl-propyl)-amide],

[0066] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,2-diphenyl-ethyl)-amide],

[0067] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-dichloro-benzylamide),

[0068] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(biphenyl-2-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0069] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0070] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-chloro-benzylamide),

[0071] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-dimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0072] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0073] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(ethyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl-amide),

[0074] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-4-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0075] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-3-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0076] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0077] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0078] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0079] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,3-dimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0080] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0081] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzylamide),

[0082] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-difluoromethoxy-benzylamide),

[0083] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-difluoromethoxy-benzylamide),

[0084] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0085] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-methoxy-benzylamide),

[0086] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-ethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0087] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzylamide),

[0088] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-difluoro-benzylamide),

[0089] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-amino-benzylamide),

[0090] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-methyl-benzylamide),

[0091] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[bis-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-methyl]-amide},

[0092] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3,3-diphenyl-propyl)-amide],

[0093] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-methyl-3-phenyl-propyl)-amide],

[0094] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-amide],

[0095] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-fluoro-benzylamide),

[0096] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3-imidazol-1-yl-propyl)-amide],

[0097] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-chloro-benzylamide),

[0098] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0099] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-methyl-benzylamide),

[0100] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0101] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-phenyl-ethyl)-amide],

[0102] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0103] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(4-ethoxy-phenyl)-amide],

[0104] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(phenethyl-amide),

[0105] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0106] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0107] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(5-methyl-furan-2-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0108] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0109] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-amino-benzylamide),

[0110] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-naphthalen-1-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0111] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0112] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-trifluoromethoxy-benzylamide),

[0113] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0114] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-phenyl-propyl)-amide],

[0115] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0116] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0117] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-indan-1-ylamide,

[0118] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-indan-1-ylamide,

[0119] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4-dichloro-benzylamide),

[0120] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-ethoxy-ethyl)-amide],

[0121] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-bromo-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0122] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0123] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-thiophen-2-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0124] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-amide),

[0125] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-amide}, and

[0126] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-dichloro-benzylamide).

[0127] A further embodiment of this invention is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent.

[0128] Another invention embodiment is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound of any one of Formulas II, II, IV, and V, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent.

[0129] Another invention embodiment is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound selected from:

[0130] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-chloro-benzylamide), [(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0131] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), [(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0132] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), (4-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0133] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), (3-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0134] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carbomethoxy-benzylamide), (3-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0135] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), (3-pyridylmethylamide);

[0136] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (4-carboxy-benzylamide), (3-thiophenemethylamide);

[0137] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-5-ylmethyl) amide, [(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0138] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (2,1,3-benzooxadiazol-5-ylmethyl) amide, [(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0139] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-5-ylmethyl) amide, (4-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0140] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, (2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-5-ylmethyl) amide, (3-methoxy-benzylamide);

[0141] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl) ester;

[0142] 2-Methoxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0143] 2-Ethoxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide];

[0144] 2-Amino-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide]; and

[0145] 2-Oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide,

[0146] 2-Methoxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide,

[0147] (3,5-Bis-benzylcarbamoyl-pyridin-2-yloxy)-acetic acid tert-butyl ester,

[0148] (3,5-Bis-benzylcarbamoyl-pyridin-2-yloxy)-acetic acid,

[0149] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-methoxy-benzylamide),

[0150] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0151] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-dimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0152] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-chloro-benzylamide),

[0153] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide,

[0154] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0155] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-p-tolyl-ethyl)-amide],

[0156] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-methoxy-benzylamide),

[0157] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-fluoro-benzylamide),

[0158] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(benzyl-ethyl-amide),

[0159] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0160] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-phenoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0161] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(4-phenyl-butyl)-amide],

[0162] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0163] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0164] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide

[0165] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0166] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-o-tolyl-ethyl)-amide],

[0167] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-ethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0168] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-phenyl-propyl)-amide],

[0169] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,2-diphenyl-ethyl)-amide],

[0170] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-dichloro-benzylamide),

[0171] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(biphenyl-2-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0172] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0173] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-chloro-benzylamide),

[0174] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-dimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0175] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0176] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(ethyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl-amide),

[0177] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-4-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0178] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-3-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0179] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0180] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0181] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0182] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,3-dimethoxy-benzylamide),

[0183] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0184] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzylamide),

[0185] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-difluoromethoxy-benzylamide),

[0186] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-difluoromethoxy-benzylamide),

[0187] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0188] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-methoxy-benzylamide),

[0189] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-ethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0190] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzylamide),

[0191] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-difluoro-benzylamide),

[0192] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-amino-benzylamide),

[0193] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-methyl-benzylamide),

[0194] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[bis-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-methyl]-amide},

[0195] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3,3-diphenyl-propyl)-amide],

[0196] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-methyl-3-phenyl-propyl)-amide],

[0197] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-amide],

[0198] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-fluoro-benzylamide),

[0199] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3-imidazol-1-yl-propyl)-amide],

[0200] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-chloro-benzylamide),

[0201] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0202] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-methyl-benzylamide),

[0203] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0204] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-phenyl-ethyl)-amide],

[0205] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0206] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(4-ethoxy-phenyl)-amide],

[0207] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(phenethyl-amide),

[0208] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0209] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide),

[0210] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(5-methyl-furan-2-ylmethyl)-amide],

[0211] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0212] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-amino-benzylamide),

[0213] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-naphthalen-1-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0214] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0215] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-trifluoromethoxy-benzylamide),

[0216] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-([1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0217] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-phenyl-propyl)-amide],

[0218] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0219] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0220] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-indan-1-ylamide,

[0221] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-indan-1-ylamide,

[0222] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4-dichloro-benzylamide),

[0223] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-ethoxy-ethyl)-amide],

[0224] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-bromo-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide},

[0225] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0226] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-thiophen-2-yl-ethyl)-amide],

[0227] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-amide),

[0228] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-amide}; and

[0229] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-dichloro-benzylamide), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent.

[0230] Another invention embodiment is a method for inhibiting an MMP-13 enzyme in an animal, comprising administering to the animal an MMP-13 inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0231] A further embodiment is a method for treating a disease mediated by an MMP-13 enzyme, comprising administering to a patient suffering from such a disease an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0232] Another invention embodiment is a method for treating a disease mediated by an MMP-13 enzyme, comprising administering to a patient suffering from such a disease an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one or both of A and B is NR⁴R⁵.

[0233] Another invention embodiment is a method for treating cancer, comprising administering to a patient having cancer and in need of treatment an anticancer effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0234] Another invention embodiment is a method for treating breast carcinoma, comprising administering to a patient having breast carcinoma and in need of treatment an anticancer effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0235] Another invention embodiment is a method for treating osteoarthritis, comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0236] Another invention embodiment is a method for treating rheumatoid arthritis, comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0237] Another invention embodiment is a method for treating inflammation, comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0238] Another invention embodiment is a method for treating heart failure, comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0239] A further embodiment is use of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease mediated by an MMP-13 enzyme.

[0240] Another invention embodiment is use of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one or both of A and B is NR⁴R⁵, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are as defined above, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease mediated by an MMP-13 enzyme.

[0241] Another invention embodiment is use of a compound of any one of Formulas II, III, IV, and V, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease mediated by an MMP-13 enzyme.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0242] The compounds to be used in the method of inhibiting MMP enzymes provided by this invention are those defined by Formula I. In Formula I, R¹ to R⁹ include “C₁-C₆ alkyl” groups. These are straight and branched carbon chains having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of such alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, neopentyl, and n-hexyl. The alkyl groups can be substituted if desired, for instance with groups such as hydroxy, amino, alkyl, aryl, and dialkylamino, halo, trifluoromethyl, carboxy, nitro, and cyano.

[0243] “Alkenyl” means straight and branched hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and one double bond and includes ethenyl, 3-buten-1-yl, 2-ethenylbutyl, 3-hexen-1-yl, and the like.

[0244] “Alkynyl” means straight and branched hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and one triple bond and includes ethynyl, 3-butyn-1-yl, propynyl, 2-butyn-1-yl, 3-pentyn-1-yl, and the like.

[0245] “Cycloalkyl” means a monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbyl group such as cyclopropyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl, cyclobutyl, adarnantyl, norpinanyl, decalinyl, norbornyl, cyclohexyl, and cyclopentyl. Such groups can be substituted with groups such as hydroxy, keto, and the like. Cycloalkyl groups can also be fused by two points of attachment to other groups such as aryl and heteroaryl groups. Also included are rings in which 1 to 3 heteroatoms replace carbons. Such groups are termed “heterocyclyl,” which means a cycloalkyl group also bearing at least one heteroatom selected from O, S, or NR², examples being oxiranyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidyl, tetrahydropyran, and morpholine.

[0246] “Alkoxy” refers to the alkyl groups mentioned above bound through oxygen, examples of which include methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, and the like. In addition, alkoxy refers to polyethers such as —O—(CH₂)₂—O—OH₃, and the like.

[0247] “Acyl” means an R group that is an alkyl or aryl (Ar) group bonded through a carbonyl group, i.e., R—C(O)—, where R is alkyl or aryl. For example, acyl includes a C₁-C₆ alkanoyl, including substituted alkanoyl, wherein the alkyl portion can be substituted by NR⁴R⁵ or a carboxylic or heterocyclic group. Typical acyl groups include acetyl, benzoyl, isonicotinoyl, and the like.

[0248] The alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, and alkynyl groups described above are optionally substituted, preferably by 1 to 3 groups selected from NR⁴R⁵, phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, thio C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, hydroxy, carboxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, halo, nitrile, cycloalkyl, and a 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic ring or heterocyclic ring having 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, substituted nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. “Substituted nitrogen” means nitrogen bearing C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CH₂)_(n)Ph where n is 1, 2, or 3. Perhalo and polyhalo substitution is also embraced.

[0249] Examples of substituted alkyl groups include 2-aminoethyl, acetylmethyl, pentachloroethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-diethylaminoethyl, 2-dimethylaminopropyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, 3-phenylbutyl, methanylsulfanylmethyl, methoxymethyl, 3-hydroxypentyl, 2-carboxybutyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 3-cyclopropylpropyl, pentafluoroethyl, 3-morpholinopropyl, piperazinylmethyl, 4-benzoylbutyl, and 2-(4-methylpiperazinyl)ethyl.

[0250] Examples of substituted alkynyl groups include 2-methoxyethynyl, 2-benzoylethylyl, 2-ethylsulfanyethynyl, 4-(1-piperazinyl)-3-(butynyl), 3-phenyl-5-hexynyl, 3-diethylamino-3-butynyl, 4-chloro-3-butynyl, 4-cyclobutyl-4-hexenyl, and the like.

[0251] Typical substituted alkoxy groups include aminomethoxy, acetoxymethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2-diethylaminoethoxy, 2-ethoxycarbonylethoxy, 3-hydroxypropoxy, 6-carboxhexyloxy, and the like.

[0252] Further, examples of substituted alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups include dimethylaminomethyl, carboxymethyl, 4-dimethylamino-3-buten-1-yl, 5-ethylmethylamino-3-pentyn-1-yl, 4-morpholinobutyl, 4-tetrahydropyrinidylbutyl, 3-imidazolidin-1-ylpropyl, 4-tetrahydrothiazol-3-yl-butyl, phenylmethyl, 3-chlorophenylmethyl, and the like.

[0253] The terms “Ar” and “aryl” refer to unsubstituted and substituted aromatic groups. Heteroaryl (Het) groups have from 4 to 9 ring atoms, from 1 to 4 of which are independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, and N. Preferred heteroaryl groups have 1 or 2 heteroatoms in a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring. Mono- and bicyclic aromatic ring systems are included in the definition of aryl and heteroaryl. Preferred substituent groups include alkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, halo, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, CN, CF₃, thioalkyl, acyl and hydroxy. Typical aryl and heteroaryl groups include phenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 2,6-dibromophenyl, pyridyl, 3-methylpyridyl, benzothienyl, 2,4,6-tribromophenyl, 4-ethylbenzothienyl, furanyl, 3,4-diethylfuranyl, naphthyl, 4,7-dichloronaphthyl, morpholinyl, indolyl, benzotriazolyl, indazolyl, pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, thiazole, methylenedioxyphenyl, benzo-2,1,3-thiadiazole, benzo-2,1,3-oxadiazole, and the like.

[0254] Preferred Ar groups are phenyl and phenyl substituted by 1, 2, or 3 groups independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, thio, thioalkyl, halo, hydroxy, —COOR⁷, trifluoromethyl, nitro, amino of the formula —NR⁴R⁵, and T(CH₂)_(m)QR⁴ or T(CH₂)_(m)CO₂R⁴ wherein m is 1 to 6, T is O, S, NR⁴, N(O)R⁴, NR⁴R⁶Y, or CR⁴R⁵, Q is O, S, NR⁵, N(O)R⁵, or NR⁵R⁶Y wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are as described above, and R⁷ is hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl, for example, methyl, trichloroethyl, diphenylmethyl, and the like. The alkyl and alkoxy groups can be substituted as defined above. For example, typical groups are carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxy, and alkoxyalkyl. Typical substituted aryl groups include 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 3-hydroxyphenyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 2,4,6-triethoxyphenyl, 3-cyanophenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, and 3,5-dinitrophenyl.

[0255] Examples of NR⁴R⁵ groups include amino, methylamino, di-isopropylamino, acetyl amino, propionyl amino, 3-aminopropyl amino, 3-ethylaminobutyl amino, 3-di-n-propylamino-propyl amino, 4-diethylaminobutyl amino, and 3-carboxypropionyl amino. R⁴ and R⁵ can be taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a ring having 3 to 7 carbon atoms and 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, substituted nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Examples of such cyclic NR⁴R⁵ groups include pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, 4-methylpiperazinyl, 4-benzylpiperazinyl, pyridinyl, piperidinyl, pyrazinyl, morpholinyl, and the like.

[0256] “Halo” includes fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo.

[0257] The term “patient” means a mammal. Preferred patients include humans, cats, dogs, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep.

[0258] The term “animal” means a mammal. Preferred animals are include humans, rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, monkeys, cats, dogs, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep.

[0259] The phrases “therapeutically effective amount” and “effective amount” are synonymous unless otherwise indicated, and mean an amount of a compound of the present invention that is sufficient to improve the condition, disease, or disorder being treated. Determination of a therapeutically effective amount, as well as other factors related to effective administration of a compound of the present invention to a patient in need of treatment, including dosage forms, routes of administration, and frequency of dosing, may depend upon the particulars of the condition that is encountered, including the patient and condition being treated, the severity of the condition in a particular patient, the particular compound being employed, the particular route of administration being employed, the frequency of dosing, and the particular formulation being employed. Determination of a therapeutically effective treatment regimen for a patient is within the level of ordinary skill in the medical or veterinarian arts. In clinical use, an effective amount may be the amount that is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or an equivalent foreign agency.

[0260] The phrase “admixed” or “in admixture” means the ingredients so mixed comprise either a heterogeneous or homogeneous mixture. Preferred is a homogeneous mixture.

[0261] The phrases “pharmaceutical preparation” and “preparation” are synonymous unless otherwise indicated, and include the formulation of the active compound with encapsulating material as a carrier providing a capsule in which the active component, with or without other carriers, is surrounded by a carrier, which is thus in association with it. Similarly, cachets and lozenges are included. Pharmaceutical preparations are fully described below.

[0262] The phrase “anticancer effective amount” means an amount of invention compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, sufficient to inhibit, halt, or cause regression of the cancer being treated in a particular patient or patient population. For example in humans or other mammals, an anticancer effective amount can be determined experimentally in a laboratory or clinical setting, or may be the amount required by the guidelines of the United States Food and Drug Administration, or equivalent foreign agency, for the particular cancer and patient being treated.

[0263] The phrase “MMP-13 inhibiting amount” means an amount of invention compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, sufficient to inhibit an enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-13, including a truncated form thereof, including a catalytic domain thereof, in a particular animal or animal population. For example in a human or other mammal, an MMP-13 inhibiting amount can be determined experimentally in a laboratory or clinical setting, or may be the amount required by the guidelines of the United States Food and Drug Administration, or equivalent foreign agency, for the particular MMP-13 enzyme and patient being treated.

[0264] It should be appreciated that the matrix metalloproteinases include the following enzymes:

[0265] MMP-1, also known as interstitial collagenase, collagenase-1, or fibroblast-type collagenase;

[0266] MMP-2, also known as gelatinase A or 72 kDa Type IV collagenase;

[0267] MMP-3, also known as stromelysin or stromelysin-1;

[0268] MMP-7, also known as matrilysin or PUMP-1;

[0269] MMP-8, also known as collagenase-2, neutrophil collagenase, or polymorphonuclear-type (“PMN-type”) collagenase;

[0270] MMP-9, also known as gelatinase B or 92 kDa Type IV collagenase;

[0271] MMP-10, also known as stromelysin-2;

[0272] MMP-11, also known as stromelysin-3;

[0273] MMP-12, also known as metalloelastase;

[0274] MMP-13, also known as collagenase-3;

[0275] MMP-14, also known as membrane-type (“MT”) 1-MMP or MT1-MMP;

[0276] MMP-15, also known as MT2-MMP;

[0277] MMP-16, also known as MT3-MMP;

[0278] MMP-17, also known as MT4-MMP;

[0279] MMP-18; and

[0280] MMP-19.

[0281] Other MMPs are known, including MMP-26, which is also known as matrilysin-2.

[0282] One aspect of the present invention is a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that is a selective inhibitor of the enzyme MMP-13. A selective inhibitor of MMP-13, as used in the present invention, is a compound that is ≧5 times more potent in vitro versus MMP-13 than versus at least one other matrix metalloproteinase enzyme such as, for example, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, or MMP-14, or versus tumor necrosis factor alpha convertase (“TACE”). A preferred aspect of the present invention is a compound that is a selective inhibitors of MMP-13 versus MMP-1.

[0283] Still other aspects of the present invention are compounds of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that are selective inhibitors of MMP-13 versus 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 other MMP enzymes, or versus TACE and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 other MMP enzymes. Other aspects of the present invention are compounds of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that are ≧10 times, ≧20 times, ≧50 times, ≧100 times, or ≧1000 times more potent versus MMP-13 than versus at least one of any other MMP enzyme or TACE.

[0284] It should be appreciated that determination of proper dosage forms, dosage amounts, and routes of administration, is within the level of ordinary skill in the pharmaceutical and medical arts, and is described below.

[0285] The term “IC₅₀” means the concentration of test compound required to inhibit activity of a biological target, such as a receptor or enzyme, by 50%.

[0286] The phrase “catalytic domain” means the domain containing a catalytic zinc cation of the MMP enzyme, wherein the MMP enzyme contains 2 or more domains. A catalytic domain includes truncated forms thereof that retain at least some of the catalytic activity of MMP-13 or MMP-13CD. For example, the collagenases, of which MMP-13 is a member, have been reported to contain a signal peptide domain, a propeptide domain, a catalytic domain, and a hemopexin-like domain (Ye Qi-Zhuang, Hupe D., Johnson L., Current Medicinal Chemistry, 1996;3:407-418).

[0287] The phrase “a method for inhibiting MMP-13” includes methods of inhibiting full length MMP-13, truncated forms thereof that retain catalytic activity, including forms that contain the catalytic domain of MMP-13, as well as the catalytic domain of MMP-13 alone, and truncated forms of the catalytic domain of MMP-13 that retain at least some catalytic activity.

[0288] It should be appreciated that it has been shown previously (Ye Qi-Zhuang, et al., 1996, supra) that inhibitor activity against a catalytic domain of an MMP is predictive of the inhibitor activity against the respective full-length enzyme.

[0289] The compounds to be used in the present invention can exist in unsolvated forms as well as solvated forms, including hydrated forms. In general, the solvated forms, including hydrated forms, are equivalent to unsolvated forms and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

[0290] The compounds of Formula I may have chiral centers, and thus can exist as racemic mixtures and individual enantiomers. All such isomeric forms can be used in the method of this invention and are provided as new compounds.

[0291] The compounds of the invention are capable of further forming both pharmaceutically acceptable formulations comprising salts, including but not limited to acid addition and/or base salts, solvents and N-oxides of a compound of the invention. This invention also provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a compound of the invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient therefor. All of these forms can be used in the method of the present invention.

[0292] Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds of the invention include salts derived form inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, sulfuric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, phosphorus, and the like, as well as the salts derived from organic acids, such as aliphatic mono- and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl-substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxy alkanoic acids, alkanedioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids, etc. Such salts thus include sulfate, pyrosulfate, bisulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, nitrate, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, chloride, bromide, iodide, acetate, propionate, caprylate, isobutyrate, oxalate, malonate, succinate, suberate, sebacate, fumarate, maleate, mandelate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, methylbenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, phthalate, benzenesulfonate, toluenesulfonate, phenylacetate, citrate, lactate, maleate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, and the like. Also contemplated are the salts of amino acids such as arginate, gluconate, galacturonate, and the like; see, for example, Berge et al., “Pharmaceutical Salts,” J. of Pharmaceutical Science, 1977;66:1-19.

[0293] The acid addition salts of the basic compounds are prepared by contacting the free base form with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce the salt in the conventional manner. The free base form may be regenerated by contacting the salt form with a base, and isolating the free base in the conventional manner. The free base forms differ from their respective salt forms somewhat in certain physical properties such as solubility in polar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to their respective free base for purposes of the present invention.

[0294] Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts are formed with metals or amines, such as alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, or of organic amines. Examples of metals used as cations are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and the like. Examples of suitable amines are N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-methylglucamine, and procaine; see, for example, Berge et al., supra., 1977.

[0295] The base addition salts of acidic compounds are prepared by contacting the free acid form with a sufficient amount of the desired base to produce the salt in the conventional manner. The free acid form may be regenerated by contacting the salt form with an acid and isolating the free acid in a conventional manner. The free acid forms differ from their respective salt forms somewhat in certain physical properties such as solubility in polar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to their respective free acid for purposes of the present invention.

[0296] The compounds of the present invention can be formulated and administered in a wide variety of oral and parenteral dosage forms, including transdermal and rectal administration. All that is required is that an MMP inhibitor be administered to a mammal suffering from a disease in an effective amount, which is that amount required to cause an improvement in the disease and/or the symptoms associated with such disease. It will be recognized to those skilled in the art that the following dosage forms may comprise as the active component, either a compound of the invention or a corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of a compound of the invention.

[0297] The invention compounds are prepared by methods well known to those skilled in the art of organic chemistry. The compounds of the invention are prepared utilizing commercially available starting materials, or reactants that are readily prepared by standard organic synthetic techniques. A typical synthesis of the invention compounds of Formula I is shown in Scheme 1 below. The first step in Scheme 1 comprises reacting a diacid with a chlorinating reagent such as thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride in a nonprotic solvent such as dichloromethane (DCM) to give the diacid chloride. This acid chloride can then be reacted with an amine, NHR⁴R⁵, in excess or with an organic base such as triethylamine, to give a bis-amide of Formula I. Alternately, the acid chloride can be reacted with an alcohol, R⁴OH, in a nonprotic solvent such as dichloromethane along with an organic or inorganic base such as triethylamine or potassium carbonate to give a bis-ester of Formula I. The bis-ester can in some circumstances be reacted with an amine, NHR⁴R⁵, at elevated temperatures to give a bis-amide of Formula I. The diacid can also be reacted with an alkyl halide in a nonprotic solvent containing an organic or inorganic base to give a bis-ester of Formula I. A third sequence involves the reaction of the diacid with hydroxybenzotriazole, HOBt, and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, DCC, and an amine, NHR⁴R⁵, in a solvent such as dimethylformamide, DMF, or dichloromethane to give a bis-amide of Formula I.

[0298] Compounds of Formula I have also been synthesized using combinatorial techniques, Scheme 2. The diacid chloride is bound to a resin such as Marshall resin to give a bound acid chloride. This is then reacted with an amine, NHR⁴R⁵, in the presence of triethylamine in a solvent such as DCM to give a resin-bound amide. The resin is then cleaved by reaction with an amine, NHR⁴R⁵, in dioxane in the presence of an organic base to give a bis-amide of Formula I, wherein each R⁴ and R⁵ independently are as defined above.

[0299] The following detailed examples further illustrate the synthesis of typical invention compounds of Formula I. The examples are representative only, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any respect.

EXAMPLE 1

[0300] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-methoxy-benzylaride)

[0301] To a solution of 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (1.0 g, 6.0 mmol) in methylene chloride (40 mL) was added 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (HOBt) (2.03 g, 15 mmol), 3-methoxy-benzyl amine (1.53 mL, 12.0 mmol) and 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) (2.88 g, 15 mmol). The solution was stirred for 24 hours at room temperature and then evaporated at reduced pressure to give an oil. The oil was partitioned between hot ethyl acetate and hot water. The organic phase was then washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate, water, and finally brine. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated at reduced pressure to give an orange oil. This was purified by MPLC chromatography using silica gel and 1:1, hexane:ethyl acetate. The oil fractions shown by thin layer chromatography (tic) to contain the major product were combined, and the solvent was removed by evaporation under reduced pressure to give 1.85 g (76%) of the titled compound as a clear oil. MS: M+1=406.1; Microanalysis (C₂₃H₂₃N₃O₄): Calculated (Calc'd): C=68.13, H=5.97, N=10.36. Found: C=68.05, H=5.97, N=10.23.

[0302] Examples 2-9 were prepared by following the same general procedure detailed in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 2

[0303] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-chloro-benzylamide); mp 224-225° C.

EXAMPLE 3

[0304] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-chloro-benzylamide); mp 185-186° C.

EXAMPLE 4

[0305] 2-Methoxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide]; MS: M+1=464.1; Microanalysis (C₂₄H₂₁N₃O₇.0.52H₂O): Calcd: C=60.97, H=4.70, N=8.89. Found: C=60.92, H=4.33, N=8.83.

EXAMPLE 5

[0306] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl) ester; mp 113-114° C.

EXAMPLE 6

[0307] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-methoxy-benzylamide); mp 224-225° C.

EXAMPLE 7

[0308] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide]; mp 194-195° C.

EXAMPLE 8

[0309] Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-aniide]; MS: M+1=434.1; Microanalysis (C₂₃H₁₉N₃O₆.1.06H₂O): Calcd: C=61.05, H=4.70, N=9.29. Found: C=61.01, H=4.64, N=9.39.

EXAMPLE 9

[0310] Pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-fluoro-benzylamide); mp 216-218° C.

EXAMPLE 10

[0311] 2-Oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide

[0312] (a) 5-Benzylcarbamoyl-6-hydroxy-nicotinic acid

[0313] To a suspension of 5-Benzylcarbamoyl-6-hydroxy-nicotinic acid methyl ester in methanol (20 ml) was added 5.2 ml (5.2 mmol) 1N NaOH. The mixture was heated to 50° C. and stirred overnight. Additional 1N NaOH was added (8.0 ml, 8.0 mmol). The mixture was heated to reflux for 6 hours. The mixture was allowed to cool and was stirred overnight. Methanol was removed by concentrating at reduced pressure. The resulting residue was dissolved in H₂O and extracted with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer was acidified with 1M HCl and filtered. The solid product was washed with water and dried at reduced pressure overnight at 55° C. 1.2 g (85% yield). MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 373.0 [M⁻]⁺. CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 61.76; H, 4.44; N, 10.29. Found: C, 61.41; H, 4.42; N, 9.98.

[0314] (b) 5-Benzylcarbamoyl-6-hydroxy-nicotinic acid methyl ester

[0315] To a mixture of 2-hydroxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-methyl ester, 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC HCl 0.49 g, 2.6 mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (HOBT 0.35 g, 2.6 mmol), in dimethylformamide (10 ml) was added benzylamine 0.27 g (2.6 mmol). The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Water was added (20 ml), and the mixture was filtered. The solid product was slurried in hot ethyl acetate to give 0.17 g (28% yield) of the title compound. MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 287 [M⁻]⁺. CHN Analysis: C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₄ ⁻0.47H2O; Calcd: C, 61.12; H, 5.11; N, 9.50. Found: C, 61.17; H, 4.81; N, 9.71.

[0316] (c) 2-Hydroxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-methyl ester

[0317] To a suspension of 5.23 g (24.0 mmol) of 5-bromo-2-hydroxy-nicotinic acid in 100 ml methanol in a 300 cubic centimeter (cc) Teflon-gasketed stainless steal reactor was added triethyl amine (16.6 ml), followed by palladium acetate (0.75 g, 3.31 mmol) and diphenylphosphino propane (DPPP, 2.13 g, 5.1 mmol). The reactor was flushed with carbon monoxide then pressurized to 500 psi. The mixture was maintained at 100° C. for 39.5 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, and the reaction mixture was filtered using methanol as the eluent. The filtrate was concentrated at reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was extracted once again with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The combined aqueous layers were acidified using concentrated HCl. The resulting solid was filtered, washed two times with water, slurried in hot ethyl acetate, and filtered. The product was dried overnight in a vacuum oven at 55° C. 2.8 g 59% yield. MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 198 [M⁻]⁺. CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 48.74; H, 3.58; N, 7.10. Found: C, 48.99; H, 3.45; N, 7.35.

[0318] (d) 5-Bromo-2-hydroxy-nicotinic acid

[0319] To a suspension of 5.0 g (35.9 mmol) of 2-hydroxy-nicotinic acid in 30 ml acetic acid was added dropwise 7.5 g (46.7 mmol) bromine. The mixture was maintained at 70-80° C. overnight. The mixture was cooled and the acetic acid was removed under reduced pressure. Water (100 ml) was added and the product was filtered and washed with water (3×100 ml). The solid was dried in a vacuum oven at 65° C. for 48 hours to provide 6.1 g (78% yield) of the title compound.

[0320] MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 219.0 [M⁻]⁺. CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 33.06; H, 1.85; N, 6.42. Found: C, 32.91; H, 1.78; N, 6.23.

[0321] (e) 2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide

[0322] To a suspension of 5-benzylcarbamoyl-6-hydroxy-nicotinic acid 1.0 (3.67 mmol), EDAC HCl 0.84 g (4.4 mmol), HOBT 0.59 g (4.4 mmol), in dimethylformamide (20 mL) was added benzylamine 0.47 g (4.4 mmol). The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Water (20 mL) was added, and the reaction mixture was filtered. The solid product was then slurried in hot ethyl acetate. 1.1 g (81% yield). MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 362.2 [M⁻]⁺. CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 69.79; H, 5.30; N, 11.63. Found: C, 69.49; H, 5.38; N, 11.64.

EXAMPLE 11

[0323] 2-Methoxy-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide

[0324] To a solution of 0.5 g (1.4 mmol) 2-Oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide in 10 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was added 0.25 g (1.9 mmol) diisopropylethylamine amine followed by 0.19 g (1.4 mmol) iodomethane. The resulting mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×20 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl solution, and dried over MgSO₄. The product was crystallized from ethyl acetate, providing 0.24 g (46% yield) of the title compound. MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 376.3 [M⁻]⁺. CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 70.38; H, 5.64; N, 11.19. Found: C, 70.05; H, 5.49; N, 10.89.

EXAMPLE 12

[0325] (3,5-Bis-benzylcarbamoyl-pyridin-2-yloxy)-acetic acid tert-butyl ester

[0326] To a solution of 0.5 g (1.4 mmol) 2-Oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide in 10 mL DMF was added 0.25 g (1.9 mmol) diisopropylethylamine followed by 0.27 g (1.4 mmol) tert-butyl bromo acetate. The resulting mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, then diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×20 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl solution, and dried over MgSO₄. The product was crystallized from ethyl acetate to provide 0.37 g (56% yield) of the title compound. MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 476.3 [M⁻]⁺. CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 68.20; H, 6.15; N, 8.84. Found: C, 67.81; H, 6.18; N, 8.69.

EXAMPLE 13

[0327] (3,5-Bis-benzylcarbamoyl-pyridin-2-yloxy)-acetic acid

[0328] A solution of 0.25 g (0.53 mmol) (3,5-Bis-benzylcarbamoyl-pyridin-2-yloxy)-acetic acid tert-butyl ester in 10 ml 50% trifluoroacetic acid in CHCl₃ was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then concentrated at reduced pressure to obtain a solid. The solid was slurried in ethyl acetate, filtered, washed with ethyl acetate, and then dried at 55° C. at reduced pressure overnight. 0.15 g (68% yield) of the title compound. MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 420 [M⁻]⁺. CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 65.86; H, 5.05; N, 10.02. Found: C, 65.73; H, 5.08; N, 9.86.

EXAMPLE 14

[0329] General Procedures to Prepare Invention Compounds in the Combinatorial Array

[0330] Resin Loading

[0331] Marshall resin (15.2 g, 21.25 mmol) was swollen in dichloromethane (DCM) (300 mL) in a 500-mL resin tube. This process was slightly exothermic, and caused the DCM to nearly boil. Once the mixture cooled, the tube was capped, and agitated slowly for 5 minutes, with frequent venting. The DCM was then decanted. This wash was repeated two additional times. The resin was then resuspended in DCM (300 mL) and triethylamine (TEA) (3.2 g, 32 mmol, 1.5 eq) was added slowly. The resulting mixture was swirled for 5 minutes, then isophthalic acid dichloride (17.2 g, 85 mmol, 4 eq) was added in one portion. The resin tube was capped and carefully secured in a wrist shaker, and inverted for 36 hours.

[0332] After 36 hours, a slight darkening of the resin was noted. The reaction solvent was drained and the resin washed three times with DCM (200 mL) and two times with diethyl ether (200 mL). The resin was dried in vacuo for 24 hours. Loading was determined both by weight gain and by total chloride determination. (Nitrogen content showed <0.05% N and therefore the absence of TEA.HCl). Typical loading was 1.1 mmol/g.

[0333] Resin Distribution

[0334] A Miniblock resin loader was calibrated for each resin used in the protocol. The weight in milligram of resin added per well was recorded, and the number of millimoles per well of isophthalic acid dichloride was calculated. Using this calibration and the loading for each resin, 0.15 mmol of resin-bound isophthalic acid dichloride was distributed to each reaction tube. The valve was then closed on the block.

[0335] Amine Solution Preparation

[0336] An “A” amine set (NHR⁴R⁵) was diluted to 0.5 M in DCM. A 0.2-M solution of TEA in DCM (1.5 mL per reaction) was prepared. A 0.2-M solution of TEA in dioxane was also prepared (1.5 mL per reaction). A “B” amine set (NHR⁴R⁵) was diluted to 0.5 M in dioxane.

[0337] Addition of Amine “A”

[0338] The TEA solution in DCM (1.5 mL) containing was added to each reaction tube. Next, using the Miniblock Map as a guide, the appropriate “A” amine solution (315 μL, 1.05 eq) was added. The block was shaken for 24 hours, then placed on a filtration station without a collection block and drained. The valve was closed, and 2 mL DCM was added. The block was shaken for 2 minutes, and again drained. The reaction block was stored under vacuum prior to use.

[0339] Addition of Amine “B” and Resin Cleavage:

[0340] The TEA/dioxane solution (1.5 mL) was added to each reaction tube. Next, using the Miniblock Map as a guide, the appropriate “B” amine solution (300 μL, 1.05 eq) was distributed. The reaction block was shaken for 72 hours, then placed on a filtration station with a labeled collection block, and drained. The valve was closed and 2 mL DCM was added. The reaction block was shaken for 2 minutes, then drained into collection tubes.

[0341] Analysis

[0342] The products in the tubes may be identified by loop mass spectrometry after first evaporating the DCM from the MS samples.

[0343] Concentrate

[0344] Concentrate the crude samples in the Genevac.

[0345] The following compounds of Examples 14.1 to 14.80, the structures of which were confirmed by mass spectrometry, were prepared according to the above-described combinatorial synthesis protocol.

[0346] 14.1 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-methoxy-benzylamide) APCI (MS+1) 406.452.

[0347] 14.2 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 434.418.

[0348] 14.3 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-dimethoxy-benzylamide) APCI-(MS+1) 466.503.

[0349] 14.4 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-chloro-benzylamide) APCI-(MS+1) 415.29.

[0350] 14.5 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide APCI-(MS+1) 346.4.

[0351] 14.6 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 446.52.

[0352] 14.7 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-p-tolyl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 402.507.

[0353] 14.8 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-methoxy-benzylamide) APCI-(MS+1) 406.452.

[0354] 14.9 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-fluoro-benzylamide) APCI-(MS+1) 382.38.

[0355] 14.10 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(benzyl-ethyl-amide) APCI-(MS+1) 402.507.

[0356] 14.11 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 494.557.

[0357] 14.12 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-phenoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 558.647.

[0358] 14.13 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(4-phenyl-butyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 430.561.

[0359] 14.14 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 434.505.

[0360] 14.15 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 410.434.

[0361] 14.16 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 443.344.

[0362] 14.17 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 430.561.

[0363] 14.18 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-o-tolyl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 402.507.

[0364] 14.19 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-ethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 430.561.

[0365] 14.20 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-phenyl-propyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 402.507.

[0366] 14.21 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1,2-diphenyl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 526.649.

[0367] 14.22 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-dichloro-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 484.181.

[0368] 14.23 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(biphenyl-2-ylmethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 498.595.

[0369] 14.24 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 526.555.

[0370] 14.25 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-chloro-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 415.29.

[0371] 14.26 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-dimethoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 466.503.

[0372] 14.27 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 466.503.

[0373] 14.28 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(ethyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl-amide), APCI-(MS+1) 404.483.

[0374] 14.29 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-4-yl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 376.43.

[0375] 14.30 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-3-yl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 376.43.

[0376] 14.31 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 443.344.

[0377] 14.32 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 348.376.

[0378] 14.33 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 618.389.

[0379] 14.34 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,3-dimethoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 466.503.

[0380] 14.35 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 482.394.

[0381] 14.36 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 514.392.

[0382] 14.37 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-difluoromethoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 478.412.

[0383] 14.38 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-difluoromethoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 478.412.

[0384] 14.39 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 518.375.

[0385] 14.40 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-methoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 406.452.

[0386] 14.41 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-ethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 462.559.

[0387] 14.42 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 451.27.

[0388] 14.43 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-difluoro-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 418.361.

[0389] 14.44 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-amino-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 376.43.

[0390] 14.45 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-methyl-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 374.454.

[0391] 14.46 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[bis-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-methyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 618.698.

[0392] 14.47 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3,3-diphenyl-propyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 554.702.

[0393] 14.48 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-methyl-3-phenyl-propyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 430.561.

[0394] 14.49 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 438.45.

[0395] 14.50 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-fluoro-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 382.38.

[0396] 14.51 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3-imidazol-1-yl-propyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 382.438.

[0397] 14.52 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-chloro-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 415.29.

[0398] 14.53 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 482.394.

[0399] 14.54 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-methyl-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 374.454.

[0400] 14.55 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 434.505.

[0401] 14.56 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-phenyl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 374.454.

[0402] 14.57 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 348.376.

[0403] 14.58 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(4-ethoxy-phenyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 406.452.

[0404] 14.59 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(phenethyl-amide), APCI-(MS+1) 374.454.

[0405] 14.60 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 358.456.

[0406] 14.61 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 482.394.

[0407] 14.62 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(5-methyl-furan-2-ylmethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 354.376.

[0408] 14.63 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 410.434.

[0409] 14.64 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-amino-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 376.43.

[0410] 14.65 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-naphthalen-1-yl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 474.573.

[0411] 14.66 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 406.452.

[0412] 14.67 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-trifluoromethoxy-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 514.392.

[0413] 14.68 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 434.505.

[0414] 14.69 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(1-phenyl-propyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 402.507.

[0415] 14.70 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 434.505.

[0416] 14.71 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 510.448.

[0417] 14.72 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-indan-1-ylamide APCI-(MS+1) 398.476.

[0418] 14.73 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-indan-1-ylamide APCI-(MS+1) 398.476 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4-dichloro-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 484.18.

[0419] 14.74 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-ethoxy-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 310.364.

[0420] 14.75 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-bromo-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 532.246.

[0421] 14.76 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 376.43.

[0422] 14.77 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-thiophen-2-yl-ethyl)-amide], APCI-(MS+1) 386.51.

[0423] 14.78 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 512.579.

[0424] 14.79 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-amide}, APCI-(MS+1) 452.527.

[0425] 14.80 Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-dichloro-benzylamide), APCI-(MS+1) 484.18.

[0426] The invention compounds of Formula I have been evaluated in standard assays for their ability to inhibit the catalytic activity of various MMP enzymes. The assays used to evaluate the biological activity of the invention compounds are well known and routinely used by those skilled in the study of MMP inhibitors and their use to treat clinical conditions.

[0427] The assays measure the amount by which a test compound reduces the hydrolysis of a thiopeptolide substrate catalyzed by a matrix metalloproteinase enzyme. Such assays are described in detail by Ye et al., in Biochemistry, 1992;31(45):11231-11235, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0428] Thiopeptolide substrates show virtually no decomposition or hydrolysis at or below neutral pH in the absence of a matrix metalloproteinase enzyme. A typical thiopeptolide substrate commonly utilized for assays is Ac-Pro-Leu-Gly-thioester-Leu-Leu-Gly-OEt. A 100-μL assay mixture will contain 50 mM of N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid buffer (“HEPES”) at pH 7.0, 10 mM CaCl₂, 100 μM thiopeptolide substrate, and 1 mM 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitro-benzoic acid) (DTNB). The thiopeptolide substrate concentration may be varied from, for example, 10 to 800 μM to obtain Km and Kcat values. The change in absorbance at 405 nm is monitored on a Thermo Max microplate reader (Molecular Devices, Menlo Park, Calif.) at room temperature (22° C.). The calculation of the amount of hydrolysis of the thiopeptolide substrate is based on E₄₁₂=13600 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ for the DTNB-derived product 3-carboxy-4-nitrothiophenoxide. Assays are carried out with and without matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor compounds, and the amount of hydrolysis is compared for a determination of inhibitory activity of the test compounds.

[0429] Representative compounds have been evaluated for their ability to inhibit various matrix metalloproteinase enzymes. The results are summarized in Tables 1 and 2 below. Table 1 below presents inhibitory activity for compounds from various classes. Table 2 summarizes the data for the compounds that were prepared according to the combinatorial protocol described in Example 14. In the tables, MMP-1 refers to full-length interstitial collagenase; MMP-3 refers to the catalytic domain of stromelysin-1; MMP-13 refers to the catalytic domain of collagenase 3. Test compounds were evaluated at various concentrations to determine their respective IC₅₀ values. In Tables 1 and 2, the IC₅₀ values are the nanomolar and micromolar concentrations, respectively, of compound required to cause a 50% inhibition of the hydrolytic activity of the respective enzyme. TABLE 1 MMP-1 MMP-3 MMP-13 Example No. IC₅₀ (nM) IC₅₀ (nM) IC₅₀ (nM) 1 Nt Nt 35 2 Nt Nt 100,000 3 Nt Nt 30,000 4 Nt Nt 230 5 Nt Nt 470 6 Nt Nt 8,700 7 30,000 100,000 2,300 8 Nt Nt 14 9 Nt Nt 100,000

[0430] TABLE 2 Compound by Example Number With Corresponding IC50 Data MMP-13 Example No. IC50 CD/Human (μM) 14.1 0.038 14.2 0.033 14.3 100 14.4 0.3 14.5 0.29 14.6 30 14.7 100 14.8 0.13 14.9 0.18 14.10 100 14.11 100 14.12 30 14.13 100 14.14 100 14.15 100 14.16 100 14.17 100 14.18 100 14.19 30 14.20 100 14.21 30 14.22 30 14.23 30 14.24 100 14.25 0.074 14.26 100 14.27 100 14.28 100 14.29 100 14.30 100 14.31 100 14.32 2 14.33 100 14.34 100 14.35 0.31 14.36 100 14.37 0.26 14.38 100 14.39 0.28 14.40 100 14.41 100 14.42 0.04 14.43 100 14.44 70 14.45 100 14.46 30 14.47 30 14.48 100 14.49 100 14.50 84 14.51 100 14.52 100 14.53 100 14.54 1.5 14.55 100 14.56 100 14.57 34 14.58 100 14.59 100 14.60 13 14.61 30 14.62 88 14.63 100 14.64 100 14.65 30 14.66 30 14.67 4 14.68 100 14.69 100 14.71 100 14.72 100 14.73 0.44 14.74 100 14.75 100 14.76 100 14.77 100 14.78 30 14.79 30 14.80 30

[0431] The foregoing data establish that the invention compounds of the invention are potent inhibitors of MMP enzymes and are especially useful due to their selective inhibition of MMP-13. Because of this potent and selective inhibitory activity, the invention compounds are especially useful to treat diseases mediated by the MMP enzymes, and particularly those mediated by MMP-13.

[0432] Administration of an invention compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a mammal to treat the diseases mediated by MMP enzymes is preferably, although not necessarily, accomplished by administering the compound, or the salt thereof, in a pharmaceutical dosage form.

[0433] The compounds of the present invention can be prepared and administered in a wide variety of oral and parenteral dosage forms. Thus, the compounds of the present invention can be administered by injection, that is, intravenously, intramuscularly, intracutaneously, subcutaneously, intraduodenally, or intraperitoneally. Also, the compounds of the present invention can be administered by inhalation, for example, intranasally. Additionally, the compounds of the present invention can be administered transdermally. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the following dosage forms may comprise as the active component, either a compound of Formula I or a corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of Formula I. The active compound generally is present in a concentration of about 5% to about 95% by weight of the formulation.

[0434] For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds of the present invention, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, pills, capsules, cachets, suppositories, and dispersible granules. A solid carrier can be one or more substances that may also act as diluents, flavoring agents, solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents, binders, preservatives, tablet disintegrating agents, or an encapsulating material.

[0435] In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid that is in a mixture with the finely divided active component.

[0436] In tablets, the active component is mixed with the carrier having the necessary binding properties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired.

[0437] The powders and tablets preferably contain from 5% or 10% to about 70% of the active compound. Suitable carriers are magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch, gelatin, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a low melting wax, cocoa butter, and the like. The term “preparation” is intended to include the formulation of the active compound with encapsulating material as a carrier providing a capsule in which the active component, with or without other carriers, is surrounded by a carrier, which is thus in association with it. Similarly, cachets and lozenges are included. Tablets, powders, capsules, pills, cachets, and lozenges can be used as solid dosage forms suitable for oral administration.

[0438] For preparing suppositories, a low melting wax, such as a mixture of fatty acid glycerides or cocoa butter, is first melted and the active component is dispersed homogeneously therein, as by stirring. The molten homogenous mixture is then poured into convenient sized molds, allowed to cool, and thereby to solidify.

[0439] Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, for example, water or water propylene glycol solutions. For parenteral injection, liquid preparations can be formulated in solution in aqueous polyethylene glycol solution.

[0440] Aqueous solutions suitable for oral use can be prepared by dissolving the active component in water and adding suitable colorants, flavors, stabilizing, and thickening agents as desired.

[0441] Aqueous suspensions suitable for oral use can be made by dispersing the finely divided active component in water with viscous material, such as natural or synthetic gums, resins, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and other well-known suspending agents.

[0442] Also included are solid form preparations that are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for oral administration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. These preparations may contain, in addition to the active component, colorants, flavors, stabilizers, buffers, artificial and natural sweeteners, dispersants, thickeners, solubilizing agents, and the like.

[0443] The pharmaceutical preparation is preferably in unit dosage form. In such form, the preparation is subdivided into unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component. The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, the package containing discrete quantities of preparation, such as packeted tablets, capsules, and powders in vials or ampoules. Also, the unit dosage form can be a capsule, tablet, cachet, or lozenge itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged form.

[0444] The quantity of active component in a unit dose preparation may be varied or adjusted from 1 to 1000 mg, preferably 10 to 100 mg according to the particular application and the potency of the active component. The composition can, if desired, also contain other compatible therapeutic agents.

[0445] In therapeutic use as agents to inhibit a matrix metalloproteinase enzyme for the treatment of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, aortic aneurism, heart failure, restenosis, periodontal disease, corneal ulceration, cancer metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, arthritis, or other autoimmune or inflammatory disorders dependent upon breakdown of connective tissue, the compounds utilized in the pharmaceutical method of this invention are administered at a dose that is effective to inhibit the hydrolytic activity of one or more matrix metalloproteinase enzymes. The initial dosage of about 1 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg daily will be effective. A daily dose range of about 25 mg/kg to about 75 mg/kg is preferred. The dosages, however, may be varied depending upon the requirements of the patient, the severity of the condition being treated, and the compound being employed. Determination of the proper dosage for a particular situation is within the skill of the art. Generally, treatment is initiated with smaller dosages that are less than the optimum dose of the compound. Thereafter, the dosage is increased by small increments until the optimum effect under the circumstance is reached. For convenience, the total daily dosage may be divided and administered in portions during the day if desired. Typical dosages will be from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 500 mg/kg, and ideally about 25 mg/kg to about 250 mg/kg, such that it will be an amount that is effective to treat the particular disease being prevented or controlled.

[0446] The following examples illustrate typical pharmaceutical compositions provided by the invention.

COMPOSITION EXAMPLE 1

[0447] Tablet Formulation Ingredient Amount (mg) Compound of Example 1 25 Lactose 50 Cornstarch (for mix) 10 Cornstarch (paste) 10 Magnesium stearate (1%)  5 Total 100 

[0448] The pyridine amide of Example 1, lactose, and cornstarch (for mix) are blended to uniformity. The cornstarch (for paste) is suspended in 200 mL of water and heated with stirring to form a paste. The paste is used to granulate the mixed powders. The wet granules are passed through a No. 8 hand screen and dried at 80° C. The dry granules are lubricated with the 1% magnesium stearate and pressed into a tablet. Such tablets can be administered to a human from one to four times a day for treatment of atherosclerosis and arthritis.

COMPOSITION EXAMPLE 2

[0449] Preparation for Oral Solution Ingredient Amount Compound of Example 4 400 mg Sorbitol solution (70% N.F.) 40 mL Sodium benzoate 20 mg Saccharin 5 mg Red dye 10 mg Cherry flavor 20 mg Distilled water q.s. 100 mL

[0450] The sorbitol solution is added to 40 mL of distilled water, and the pyridine amide of Example 4 is dissolved therein. The saccharin, sodium benzoate, flavor, and dye are added and dissolved. The volume is adjusted to 100 mL with distilled water. Each milliliter of syrup contains 4 mg of invention compound.

COMPOSITION EXAMPLE 3

[0451] Parenteral Solution

[0452] In a solution of 700 mL of propylene glycol and 200 mL of water for injection is suspended 20 g of the compound of Example 9. After suspension is complete, the pH is adjusted to 6.5 with 1N sodium hydroxide, and the volume is made up to 1000 mL with water for injection. The formulation is sterilized, filled into 5.0-mL ampoules each containing 2.0 mL, and sealed under nitrogen.

[0453] As matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, the compounds of the invention are useful as agents for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. They are also useful as agents for the treatment of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, restenosis, periodontal disease, corneal ulceration, treatment of burns, decubital ulcers, wound repair, heart failure, cancer metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders dependent upon tissue invasion by leukocytes.

[0454] It should be appreciated that in all invention embodiments described above or in the claims below, whenever an R group such as, for example, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, or R⁶, or an n group is used more than once to define an invention compound, each use of the R group is independent of any other use of that same R group or, for that matter, any other R group, unless otherwise specified. 

1-9 (cancelled).
 10. A compound of Formula V

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is 0 to 6; R¹ and R² independently are hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, NO₂, NR⁴R⁵, CN, or CF₃; R⁴ and R⁵ independently are H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, (CH₂)_(n) aryl, (CH₂)_(n) cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n) heteroaryl, or R⁴ and R⁵ when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached complete a 3- to 8-membered ring containing carbon atoms and optionally containing a heteroatom selected from O, S, or NH, and optionally substituted or unsubstituted; Each Ar is independently aryl, wherein aryl is phenyl or substituted phenyl.
 11. A compound selected from: Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-dimethoxy-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-chloro-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-benzylamide; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-p-tolyl-ethyl)-amide]; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-methoxy-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-fluoro-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(benzyl-ethyl-amide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-phenoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(4-phenyl-butyl)-amide]; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(2-o-tolyl-ethyl)-amide]; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-ethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-dichloro-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-dimethoxy-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,3-dimethoxy-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-methoxy-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-ethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2,4-difluoro-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-amino-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-methyl-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[bis-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-methyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-amide]; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-fluoro-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-chloro-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(4-ethoxy-phenyl)-amide]; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(phenethyl-amide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-amino-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine 2,4 dicarboxylic acid bis [(1 phenyl propyl) amide]; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,4-dichloro-benzylamide); Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-{[2-(4-bromo-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide}; Pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid bis-(3,5-dichloro-benzylamide); and. 12-15 (cancelled).
 16. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound of claim 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.
 17. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound of claim 11, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient. 18-20 (cancelled).
 21. A method for treating osteoarthritis, comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound of claim 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 22. A method for treating rheumatoid arthritis, comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound of claim 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 23 (cancelled).
 24. A method for treating heart failure, comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound of claim 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 25-35 (cancelled).
 36. The pharmaceutical composition as in claim 16, comprising a compound of Formula V

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is 0 to 6; R¹ and R² independently are hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, NO₂, NR⁴R⁵, CN, or CF₃; R⁴ and R⁵ independently are H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, (CH₂)_(n) aryl, (CH₂)_(n) cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n) heteroaryl, or R⁴ and R⁵ when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached complete a 3- to 8-membered ring containing carbon atoms and optionally containing a heteroatom selected from O, S, or NH, and optionally substituted or unsubstituted; Each Ar is independently aryl, wherein aryl is phenyl or substituted phenyl; together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient. 